Qobuz app brings direct high-res downloads to Astell & Kern players

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High-res streaming and download service Qobuz launches a new app for Astell & Kern's range of music players, allowing users to stream, browse and download HD audio

Qobuz and Astell & Kern have announced a new partnership that will see a dedicated Qobuz app launch on A&K audio players to deliver direct, high-res audio downloads.

The new app launches exclusively on the Android A&K players, the AK240, and the brand-new AK100 II and AK120 II (not to be confused with the AK100 Mk II).

The app will allow users to browse, download and (coming soon) purchase HD audio tracks directly to their portable music player over WiFi.

MORE: Astell & Kern AK120 gets official UK launch

Qobuz claims to offer more than 18 million tracks in CD quality, as well as over 12,000 albums in high-res (24-bit, up to 192kHz). The app has been specifically designed for Astell & Kern and claims to be the first of its kind in Europe.

And the good news for Astell & Kern owners: if you create a Qobuz account, you'll get three 24-bit albums for free.

Henry Park, CEO of Astell & Kern parent company Iriver, said: "This partnership makes truly the best high-res music eco system and it makes perfect sense for us to work closely."

Qobuz is best known as the first CD quality streaming service, rivalling the likes of Spotify by offering better quality music files. The existing Qobuz service is available now on desktop, smartphones and tablets, as well as the likes of Sonos.

MORE: Qobuz review

MORE: HD audio – everything you need to know

by Joe Cox

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).